Scottish Borders and Lowlands film and TV itinerary

This beautiful fishing village was a hidden gem… until the Marvel Universe arrived. In the Avengers: Endgame movie (2019), it doubles as New Asgard – the location of Thor’s house – and since then has featured in the music video for Harry Styles’ Adore You. St Abbs has taken its newfound fame in great stride, and even unveiled ‘twinned with New Asgard’ signs to celebrate its Marvel connections – don’t forget to take a photo.

From outdoor theatre shows to storytelling trails, film screenings and Halloween frights – this historic house knows how to put on a show. On long summer nights, its grounds are transformed into a spectacular concert venue, while winter brings a cornucopia of festive light trails, Christmas markets and more. Floors has been a family home for over 300 years, and welcomes day visitors for tours of its castle, gardens and grounds. Floors Castle stars as the titular Greystoke in 1984's Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.

This Victorian viaduct, spanning the River Tweed, is an unlikely film star. In 2023's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it’s the site of a dramatic train derailment with the help of some movie magic. In real life, the train tracks are long gone, but you can marvel at this feat of 19th-century engineering from nearby footpaths. More recently, the crew of HBO’s The Franchise (2024) were spotted filming here, so look out for Leaderfoot’s next scene-stealing appearance soon. Nearby Melrose, with its Roman and rugby heritage, makes a great stop-off. 

In the 19th century, this grand mansion and woodlands was the home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers – and it keeps his literary legacy alive today. Look out for live theatre shows, poetry readings, music concerts and more, and explore the rambling gardens that sparked his imagination.

The brainchild of author Alexander McCall Smith, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is a truly epic artwork, combining the work of 1,000 volunteer stitchers from across the nation. Showcasing 420 million years of Scottish history, the tapestry takes pride of place at a dedicated gallery in Galashiels. There’s a useful app to accompany your visit to help you discover the stitchers’ stories and uncover hidden details. Did you know: 300 miles of wool thread and 50,000 hours of stitching went into the tapestry? 

Once thought to be the world’s largest industrial facility, New Lanark was home to a pioneering model village for its workers. Take a trip back in time to the 1820s on the Annie McLeod Experience dark ride, where you’ll hear about a young mill girl’s work and home life. Visit pioneer Robert Owen’s house and his school for children, and see up-close the working textile machinery. Don’t miss the roof garden, the largest of its kind in Scotland, for a different perspective on the mill and the River Clyde below. 

A short stroll from the New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be spellbound by these waterfalls. A haven for birdwatchers, some 100 species have been recorded in the area – including the colourful kingfisher. Keep an eye out for badgers and bats beside the river, too. Head to the visitor centre to learn more about the wildlife that call this corner of Scotland home, with toys and games to keep little ones busy.

Keen-eyed viewers of the 2023 thriller Tetris, centred around the classic video game, may have spotted the streets of Hamilton as one of its backdrops. Discover the town’s culture and traditions, like weaving and coal-mining, at the Low Parks Museum. It’s worth heading a couple of miles out of the town centre to Chatelherault Country Park and ruined Cadzow Castle.  

Zoo, golf course, gallery, ornamental gardens – it’s all here at Calderglen Country Park. Look out for Horseshoe Falls, seen in episode six of Outlander series four in 2019.

Peaceful Cumbernauld Glen is a world away from the battle scenes it was used for in Outlander. Explore this ancient woodland by foot or mountain bike, and look out for snowdrops in spring and bluebells in summer. You might be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher or wood warbler, too. 

Discover the history of the Boyd family, who called Dean Castle home for over 400 years. Outlander actor Steven Cree, who plays Ian Murray, is a native of Kilmarnock and is your guide to the castle’s history in an immersive audio-visual experience in the Keep Cellar. Did you know the castle appears in series two of the show, back in 2016, as Beaufort Castle?

Famous for its golf course, which hosted the Royal Open in 2024, Troon also appears at the end of series one of Outlander in 2015, as Claire and Murtagh leave Scotland for France. There’s plenty to keep you busy in Troon, even when you’re not on one of its seven courses – enjoy its sandy beaches, try your hand at watersports or find a souvenir in one of its independent boutiques. 

This humble cottage is where the story of Scotland’s best-loved poet began. Now a museum, Robert Burns’ birthplace features 5,000 artefacts and original manuscripts – while its cafe serves traditional haggis, neeps (swedes or turnips) and tatties (potatoes). Follow the pretty ‘Poet’s Path’ from the cottage to the main museum.

Enjoy some sea air in the traditional fishing village of Dunure. You’ll see the quaint harbour in series three of Outlander in 2017, where the characters board the Artemis ship to travel to Jamaica. Other screen stars in Dunure include its castle and beach.

This is no ordinary castle – Culzean has its very own beach, country park, Adventure Cove and more. There’s a huge deer enclosure to explore, as well as woodlands, a Swan Pond and colourful gardens. Ideal for picnics, wildlife-watching and long peaceful walks. If you’re a fan of cult horrors, you might recognise it as the castle of Lord Summerisle in 1973’s The Wicker Man. 

Dubbed the ‘Pink Palace’ thanks to its stunning stonework, Drumlanrig Castle has belonged to the Douglas family for over 600 years. In Outlander series two in 2016, it becomes Bellhurst Manor, home to the Duke of Sandringham. Explore its picture-perfect gardens, head for a hike or try a crafting workshop.

Drink in the history of this Dumfries pub, a favourite watering hole of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. You’re spoilt for choice in the whisky department, with over 300 Scotch and world spirits to choose from. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the pub grub dished up here puts the spotlight on southern Scotland’s amazing produce and also makes good use of the inn’s kitchen garden. Join a Burns Tour to see the inn’s hidden corners, including his favourite chair and bedroom. All tours include a mini bottle of whisky to go. 

Built in the shape of a triangle, this unique 13th-century fortress sits on the southern coast of Scotland, next to Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. The castle was besieged and captured numerous times throughout history and is today home to many rare animals and plants. Spot these romantic ruins in 2011 rom-com The Decoy Bride, starring Kelly Macdonald and David Tennant.

Come face to face with some of Scotland’s cutest – and hairiest – residents. Ride in weatherproof farm tour trailer to see the Highland cows (‘coos’) – and if you’re lucky, their calves – at play in their fields. Some tours also include a sheepdog demonstration, where you’ll watch the farm’s working dogs show off their skills. There’s even the chance to get hands-on with some of the younger cows in their playpen – they love a good scratch under their chin. Finish off your adorable adventure with tea and freshly baked cakes from the farmhouse kitchen. 

Eucalyptus groves, palm trees and giant gunnera – welcome to Scotland’s most exotic garden. Walk between its colourful flora, take in gorgeous hilltop views and and indulge in a locally-sourced bite at the Potting Shed Bistro. Logan Botanic Garden doubled up as Lord Summerisle’s garden in horror classic The Wicker Man (1973).